Why should the dream of a secret garden belong only in a storybook? This wonderful property brings the fantasy to life, providing a peaceful retreat for couples with quirky handcrafted features, an outdoor hot tub and the sense of sleeping under the stars without worrying about the weather. A Secret Garden is in the charming Kent village of Blean, close to Whitstable and Canterbury and within walking distance of ancient woodland, a nature reserve and a friendly pub. It is perfect for a short break or a longer stay at any time of the year.
The owners of the Ceridwen Centre live the "reduce, reuse, recycle" ethos on their organic farm in the beautiful Teifi Valley in Mid-Wales, having transformed an ordinary static caravan into a wood-and-corrugated-tin cottage with a deep verandah and space for up to five people to sleep in two double bedrooms. It is one of a collection of self-catering properties with 40-private acres that include a wood-fired hot tub (hired on a first come first served basis), woodland walks, mountain bike centre and a shop selling homemade meals and fresh vegetables. The venue is perfect for everything from a solo retreat to a fun-filled family reunion or celebration for up to 60 people.
Bramble Cottage is beautifully decorated, affording couples a high standard of accommodation in a quiet location on a smallholding outside Llandysul. You're barely twenty minutes from the coast when you stay here, and there are gorgeous walks and bike rides from the door into the surrounding Ceredigion countryside. Spend relaxing days at the beach, sightseeing in Aberystwyth, taking advantage of the fantastic local farmer's markets, and enjoying the sights and attractions for which West Wales is so loved. Alternatively, sleep late, brunch in the garden, then settle back in the wood-fuelled outdoor hot tub.
There's nothing rustic about this well-appointed Shepherd Hut. Set in a field with gorgeous views, the holiday cottage is two modern timber and corrugated metal huts sleeping four people in two bedrooms with electricity, running water and a proper bathroom. Shepherd Hut is on the family-run Michelmersh Farm, where the owners raise dairy cows, sheep and keep horses and chickens. It's an idyllic location only a few miles from Romsey and within easy reach of the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, the Hampshire coast, Stonehenge, Winchester and Salisbury. Shepherd Hut is romantic for couples and fun for families.
Perfect for couples but with space for four, Twee Gebroeders is a fantastic holiday barge moored in a prime location in Woodbridge. Step across the gang plank, and you're immediately in the stylish new Whisstocks leisure development with cafes and shops, and just a short walk from the centre of town. There are lots of lovely paths for walking and cycling along rivers and through gorgeous Suffolk countryside, or jump in the car or on a train and head out for a day at the beach. The owners have thought of everything during the barge's recent renovation, meaning that you can stay in complete comfort in a unique self-catering retreat in one of the most beautiful parts of England.
Why settle for average when you can stay somewhere as amazing as Onderneming? This beautiful barge, which is over a century old, is moored on the River Alde at Snape Maltings, just a stone's throw from the popular Plough and Snail pub. With three double bedrooms and a comfortable sofa bed, there is easily room for eight adults to stay, but the charming decor and lovely proportions mean that it doesn't feel too big for couples or small families who want more space to themselves. Snape Maltings is one of Suffolk's many popular attractions and a great place to base yourself with so much to enjoy on the doorstep and the coast and areas attractions within easy reach.
Picture yourself soaking under the stars before tucking yourself into bed in this charming glamping holiday cottage. The Cider Shack has been handcrafted to suit its location between Hereford and Abergavenny, making the most of fantastic views of the Black Mountains, Skirrid and Sugarloaf. It's ideal for couples or solo holiday makers who enjoy walking, cycling or mountain biking as it has direct access to a fantastic landscape and is within easy reach of the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The property is on the family-run Penylan Farm, where they make the award-winning Ty Gwyn cider.
How can you resist a glamping experience like this! The owners of the Ceridwen Centre have lovingly converted a vintage, 1964 Leyland double-decker bus into a unique self-catering holiday experience that has space for four people (or up to six by arrangement with some reconfiguration of the downstairs area). The Ceridwen Centre is a mile from Drefach Felindre and the Tafarn John y Gwas pub, although you don't have to go that far for a drink or a cooked meal, as the site has excellent facilities. A great choice for those looking for a little fun, walking, cycling, fishing and exploring this beautiful part of Wales.
Imagine sleeping under the stars in a heated geodesic dome! That's just one of the options you have when you stay at George's Gateway. The stylish single-storey holiday cottage sleeps eight people (six adults and two children) in four bedrooms with lots of space inside and out. The cabin is in a quiet location on Winchcombe Farm in Upper Tysoe, a pretty Warwickshire village in the north of the Cotswolds close to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, the Cotswold Farm Park, Blenheim Palace and many more favourite Cotswold attractions.
Stunning lodge set with the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the pretty Warwickshire village of Upper Tysoe. Boasting an outdoor living area with a hot tub, pizza oven and barbeque, a gorgeous bedroom with a super king size bed, sky light for star gazing and two twin bath tubs, and a stylish and contemporary kitchen and living space, Jess' Tree Bach has all the bells and whistles needed for a memorable holiday. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat, or you can even bring the kids who will love the bunk beds and four metre slide which takes them down to the play area below.
The owners of The Hyde describe their hand-crafted treehouse as "an invitation to escape", which gives you an idea of how peaceful it is. Tucked away in a private woodland location near Truro and only a 20-minute stroll from Porthtowan's beach, shop and bars, it is a luxurious place where couples and individuals can relax uninterrupted by distractions. Features include designer bed linen, indoor and outdoor showers, a glass-covered deck with hammocks, and high-quality appliances. Fast WiFi means you can access Netflix and even work if you need to - you may never want to leave!
The uninhabited Ardnish Peninsula is the perfect place to get off-grid and escape the noise and stress of modern lifestyles. A total digital detox is easy when you stay somewhere without electricity - think Baer Grylls adventure so no WiFi, no bathroom and no running-water! Peanmeanach is a 120-year-old stone cottage in an isolated location accessible only via boat, kayak or a two-hour hike (carrying provisions and everything you need for your stay) . It sleeps up to six people in two simple bedrooms, with guests having to bring all food, bedding, towels etc with them. Spend long summer days exploring the coast and hillsides, and relaxed evenings in front of the fire or outside under the stars. Not for the faint hearted; adventurous soles all love it here, and we think you will too if you are seeking solitude and looking to disconnect from the virtual world.
Have you ever wanted to go back to basics and enjoy the simpler things in life? This Scottish retreat provides a 'unique' self-catering experience where you can enjoy complete peace and isolation. On the mainland, the cottage is only accessible by boat (provided as part of the rental) and once arrived, you can experience your own little slice of 'island' life.
Perfect for couples looking to truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern day living, Lower Polnish is a 'unique' Scottish retreat for two and offers the chance to get away from modern day distractions, get back to basics and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Offering the chance to get 'off the grid' this cosy former blackhouse sits a stone's throw from the private shoreline on the Ardnish Peninsular in an isolated position away from it all with only wildlife to disturb you.
This fabulous shepherds hut offers guests remote exclusivity with all the luxuries of self-catering. Nestling on the edge of the Cotswolds, you can escape away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and enjoy an abundance of space where children can run free and adults can soak up the tranquility and beauty of the English countryside. The village of Little Comberton is within walking distance and Elmley Castle is just 2-miles away with an exceptionally good pub for long lazy lunches. Worcester, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stratford-Upon-Avon are all within easy reach, as are the many favourite attractions of the Cotswolds. No ordinary glamping experience, this incredible shepherds hut has heaps of traditional appeal and is one of the largest and most luxurious of its kind, with 80-acres of organic farmland to roam.
Escape to the romance of The Shepherd's Shed, a charming glamping shepherd's hut within walking distance of The Castle Inn and village shop in Landkey, and close to Barnstaple, North Devon beaches and Exmoor National Park. Guests can sleep happily in the cute hut with a double bed and cosy log burner, surrounding themselves with stunning views and a garden that includes an outdoor hot tub and covered barbecue area. The Shepherd's Shed is ideal for a holiday in any season, being warm and welcoming to couples and solo travellers, including those with a dog.
In a fabulous position just inland of Cornwall's stunning north coast, this gorgeous shepherds hut enjoys an abundance of sea air and luxurious touches like a log burner and hot tub. A popular choice with couples looking for a little romance, and small families wanting a fun glamping type holiday experience without forsaking creature comforts. Crackington Haven beach is just two miles and the many attractions of Cornwall are close by.
The Dutch Barn is a stunning self-catering holiday home on a private farm close to Crackington Haven. It sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms with a perfect layout for families or groups of friends. The owners have done a sensational job with this conversion, transforming a tired agricultural building into a contemporary holiday retreat with hot tub that would not look out of place in a glossy lifestyle magazine. It is one of four gorgeous self-catering properties at Pencuke Farm, where the owners raise sheep, alpacas, pigs and chickens in 18 quiet acres of land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Newly built using traditional techniques and featuring a separate bedroom and shower room, this charming Shepherd's Hut offers couples space and comfort in an idyllic location close to the New Forest National Park and within walking distance of a country pub. Enjoy walking and bike rides through the forest and countryside, and with the coast only half an hour away plus plenty of picturesque towns and villages to explore, your self-catering holiday can be as exciting or relaxing as you choose.
